Key highlights
- New Ninja 650 gets a 37mm Showa SFF-BP USD fork and upgraded radial four-piston front brakes.
- The 649 cc parallel-twin engine continues with 68hp and 64Nm.
- A new 4.3-inch TFT adds smartphone connectivity, navigation and voice-command functions.
Kawasaki has revealed the 2027 Ninja 650 in the UK, bringing meaningful changes to the motorcycle’s suspension and braking hardware rather than just cosmetic updates. The biggest change is the replacement of the outgoing 41 mm conventional telescopic fork with a 37 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork.
The new fork uses a larger piston and lower damping pressure. Kawasaki says this improves control during weight transfer, stability while entering corners and the overall feel under braking. The rear suspension also gets an updated spring rate to complement the new front-end setup.
Four-piston radial brakes
The Ninja 650 also gets a significant braking upgrade. The previous axial-mount, two-piston front calipers have been replaced by radially mounted four-piston units.
The revised setup is claimed to deliver better response to lever inputs and more linear braking performance. A redesigned front fender also provides greater coverage around the fork tubes.
These changes should make the Ninja 650 more convincing when ridden enthusiastically, while Kawasaki continues to position it as an approachable middleweight.
Same engine, smarter cockpit
Power continues to come from the familiar 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, producing 68 hp and 64 Nm and paired with a six-speed gearbox. Kawasaki has therefore focused the 2027 update on the areas that influence handling rather than chasing more outright performance.
The motorcycle now gets a 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster. Smartphone connectivity through Kawasaki’s Rideology app has also been expanded to include navigation and voice commands. Two-mode Kawasaki Traction Control remains standard, while Kawasaki Quick Shifter is available as an accessory.
India launch yet to be confirmed
The 2027 Ninja 650 will go on sale in the UK from December at £7,499, the same price as the outgoing model. In India, the current Ninja 650 costs Rs 7.91 lakh ex-showroom. Kawasaki has not confirmed when the updated motorcycle will arrive here.
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